Scotland's 300-plus years of engagement with the Caribbean should be remembered in the forthcoming development of the sugar sheds (pictured) in Greenock (News, November 28).

Though several Scottish universities, such as Stirling, have adopted various aspects of Scottish-Caribbean relations, what is required is a permanent centre for Scottish-Caribbean studies. The heart of Scotland's once-glorious sugar industry would be the place for such a centre.

Glasgow's first fortunes were built on Caribbean sugar; 1707 allowed Glasgow ship-owners and Edinburgh bankers to enter the West Indian enslavement industry; the ports of the Clyde shared extensive trading links with the islands of the Caribbean for at least two centuries; Scottish emigration to the West Indies as prisoners, indentured labour, fortune seekers and professionals has created a significant Afro-Scots culture; while the west of Scotland's heavy-engineering industry built much of the sugar-factory infrastructure across the archipelago.

Glasgow and indeed Scotland should refocus attention and development initiatives on the Caribbean, where so much of the wealth of this nation originated. The tiny, fragile economies and eco-cultures of the West Indies, with histories that bruise our conscience, need our support more than ever.

The Greenock sheds should become more than a reminder of Scotland's sugar history. Our universities should open their doors a little with some generosity (from the developers?) and, in a spirit of redemption, give Caribbean students scholarships in remembrance of sugar and Scotland.
Thom Cross, Carluke.